UK-based retail technology and dropshipping specialist Virtualstock bought by US firm Logicbroker

Private equity backed US company Logicbroker has announced the acquisition of UK-based online retail technology firm Virtualstock. 

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Virtualstock, which is chaired by Moonpig founder Nick Jenkins, was established in 2004. Its dropship and curated marketplace platform powers online commerce for the likes of Aldi, Argos, B&Q, Currys, and John Lewis. It provides retailers with supplier onboarding and product induction.

In addition, its Supplier Hub connects suppliers directly with buyers at major retailers.

“We first began talking with Virtualstock when we partnered on a multinational retailer deal, and as the conversations continued, it became clear that we could do so much more as a united entity,” says Omar Qari, CEO at Logicbroker.

“Virtualstock doesn’t just bring deep technical expertise and an impressive customer portfolio; it also greatly enhances our ability to serve the largest enterprise retailers and brands in the world.”

“Logicbroker is a clear leader in multi-party commerce technology, and its pioneering role in helping retailers adapt to changing consumer and business shopping behaviours will be vital for us as we enter a new phase in Virtualstock’s journey,” says Ed Bradley, Founder and CEO at VirtualStock.

“I’m excited to work with Omar and his team as we continue to support retailers and suppliers across our customer base, and I look forward to us being able to further expand our reach as part of the Logicbroker organisation.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Online retail will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now closed for entries with our finalists and shortlists being announced last week, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.